WEDNESDAY 4.5.23: The Kingdom Will Come – Luke 21:29-22:30
The annual weeklong Festival of Unleavened Bread, with the Passover meal, reminded Hebrews of their defining story: God rescuing them from Egypt (cf. Exodus 12:1-18). Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples. With the cross just ahead, Jesus said for them the bread and wine would point to his even greater act of giving himself to rescue us from sin and death.
Reflection
• Jesus said, “The kings of the Gentiles rule over their subjects, and those in authority over them are called ‘friends of the people.’” But in God’s kingdom, Jesus said, “That’s not the way it will be with you . . . the greatest among you must become…like a servant.” Where do you have power (parent, boss, teacher, pastor, public office, etc.)? How can you use your power to serve others?
• Jesus’ shift of Passover into the Lord’s Supper didn’t just look back, but also pointed forward. Scholar Richard Vinson noted that “until it is fulfilled” (verse 16) “is a promise to Luke’s readers that the kingdom truly will come.” Do you trust that God’s promises offer a future you can count on? How can taking part in Communion reinforce your trust and hope?
Prayer: Living Lord, I rejoice in your saving acts in the past. But even more, I eagerly look forward to the day when you fully establish your kingdom. Keep me faithfully on track until that day. Amen.
1 Richard B. Vinson, study note on Luke 22:16 in The CEB Study Bible. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2013, p. 157NT.